Athletic department welcomes new coach: Jack Mehl

By Maegan Green

This year, Hood’s athletic department welcomes a new head coach of the ladies’ basketball team, Jack Mehl.  He has over 30 years of coaching experience, including 18 years atFrederickCommunity College.

“I am really excited about coaching the girls’ basketball team at Hood this year,” said Mehl.  “I have coached at a lot of different levels, from boys and girls in elementary school to teens and young adults in high school and college.” 

This will be Mehl’s first time as the head coach of a four-year college. 

“My goal is for us to be successful both on and off the court,” said Mehl.  “Coaching is about more than just winning games – it is about building relationships, boosting confidence, making sure that our players are doing well academically as well.”

The women’s basketball team will not start practicing until Oct. 15, so the new coach has not had the chance to assess what he can do to help them improve.

“My goal is to help every member of this team become the best person they can be, whether it involves preparing them for the next game or talking them through something that is impacting their lives outside of basketball,” Mehl said.

“I am very excited about the new coach,” said Kelsey Knippenberg, a sophomore shooting guard.  “He seems like a very respectful, down-to-earth guy who wants what’s best for us.  He’s really funny.” 

Although players have not had the chance to learn Mehl’s coaching style, many teammates can agree that they are excited to work with their new coach. 

“I like his philosophy,” said Dyanna Prader, the team captain.  “He seems like a nice guy off the court, but I have not dealt with him on the court.” 

“We have to change our foundation and get used to a new coaching style, but all of these changes are positive,” said Prader.  “Coach Mehl wants us to succeed on and off the court and I think that our team will improve a lot this year.”

Mehl recently retired from teaching math at Brunswick High for 32 years. 

He graduated fromBucknellUniversityinPennsylvaniawith a degree in mathematics.  While in college, he was involved in the school radio station.

“Some of my best experiences as a coach are not about wins and losses,” said Mehl.  ‘They are about having a positive influence on the lives of students who need guidance, encouragement, advice, and support.”